Michigan City, IN, January 27, 2026, Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions, today announced the launch of a five-year initiative to restore a critical woodland ecosystem at the International Friendship Botanic Gardens (FBG) in Pottawattamie Park, Indiana. The initiative brings together conservation, corporate, and community partners to support long-term environmental stewardship, enhance the Gardens’ natural landscape, and create a new public experience.
The $52,000 Five-Year Woodland Understory Restoration Project represents a partnership between the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District (LCSWCD), International Friendship Botanic Gardens, and Hitachi Global Air Power Products. Funding is provided through a $30,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant, with a critical $10,000 match from Hitachi, alongside Hitachi’s long-term maintenance commitment of $12,000 over four years.
“Within a constantly changing global competitive landscape, sustainability is a business advantage,” said Hideki Fujimoto, President and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. “The Friendship Botanic Gardens project is part of Hitachi’s comprehensive strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions, circular transformation, and nature resilience across the value chain by 2050.”
This initiative complements Hitachi’s ongoing environmental efforts in Michigan City, including a native plant restoration project announced in April 2025 that will convert a significant portion of the headquarters campus from traditional turf grass into a native prairie habitat, eliminating the need for irrigation in restored areas.
“This project exemplifies the partnership model working across LaPorte County,” said LaPorte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa. “We’re bringing over $370,000 in conservation grants to green infrastructure projects throughout the county—with minimal general fund investment. These projects position LaPorte County as both business-friendly and serious about environmental quality—a reputation that matters when companies decide where to invest and families decide where to live.”
Restoring Native Woodland
The FBG project focuses on restoring an 8.5-acre parcel of oak-dominated woodland, part of the Lake Michigan coastal ecosystem, eliminating invasive species—including Garlic Mustard and Amur Honeysuckle—and strategically managing overgrown native shrubs to allow native wildflowers and oak seedlings to regenerate naturally.
“Quality ecological restoration requires the convergence of scientific expertise, committed community partners, and corporate investment in environmental stewardship,” said Paul Vicari, MS4 Stormwater Director and County Conservationist of the LCSWCD. “This collaborative project addresses the ‘missing cohort crisis’—the absence of young oak regeneration—while significantly enhancing biodiversity and pollinator habitat.”
Bridging Cultures Through Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Beyond ecological restoration, the project will develop the area into a regionally recognized Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) destination. Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese practice of immersive, contemplative connection with forest environments, scientifically linked to reduced stress and enhanced well-being.
The Gardens have served as a cultural bridge for nearly a century, and this partnership authentically integrates Japanese concepts like Kyōsei (symbiotic harmony) and Ma (meaningful space) into a restored Midwestern landscape. The project will create a unique, healing experience for visitors while supporting FBG’s pursuit of Old-Growth Forest Network certification.
“The Friendship Botanic Gardens has always been a place where nature and culture meet,” said Jenilee Haynes Peterson, Executive Director of FBG. “This restoration project honors that mission by combining authentic Japanese forest bathing practices with the restoration of our native Midwestern woodland. We’re creating a space where visitors can experience the healing power of nature while witnessing ecological restoration in action.”
Implementation and Timeline
The intensive Year 1 implementation began in November 2025, with public trails and interpretive signage expected to be completed by summer 2026. The restoration will increase light availability by an estimated 30-40%, activate suppressed seed banks of native spring wildflowers, and create enhanced pollinator corridors throughout the site.
“The Friendship Botanic Gardens restoration project embodies Hitachi’s long-term sustainability vision: Grow sustainably while contributing to a harmonized society where environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance,” said Katrina Saucier, Sustainability Director at Hitachi Global Air Power. “The partnership also strengthens our relationship with Michigan City, where Sullair air compressors have been manufactured for more than 60 years, by creating a vibrant community space and encouraging cultural exchange through the incorporation of Japanese practices.”
About Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer. Headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe; from food and beverage, to pharmaceuticals and computer chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production.
As part of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd., Hitachi Global Air Power operates ISO 9001 certified factories in Michigan City, Indiana and Suzhou, China, and sales offices strategically located in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South and Latin America. Through brands Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), our machines have provided legendary reliability, durability, and performance for more than 60 years.
Our global network of engineering and quality experts are building next generation, highly efficient and environment-forward compressed air solutions in direct response to customer need.
About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems enhances productivity across various industries — including data centers, batteries, electronics and semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — through high-efficiency products such as compressed air systems, grid edge solutions, drives and coding and marking equipment. Our innovative solutions and services integrate digital technology to drive customer success and contribute to a more sustainable society. We support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from maintenance to recycling. For more information on Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, please visit our website at https://www.hitachi-ies.com/
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” - supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.
About International Friendship Botanic Gardens (FBG)
A historic, non-profit botanic garden dedicated to fostering deeper connections between people in their nature-filled sanctuary, serving as a testament to international goodwill.
About LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District (LCSWCD)
A local government entity providing technical assistance, education, and resources to citizens for the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.
Media Contacts
Jennifer Ohlinger
Senior Communications Manager
Hitachi Global Air Power US, LLC
219-210-0995
jennifer.ohlinger@hitachiglobalairpower.com
Paul Vicari
MS4 Stormwater Director/County Conservationist
LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District
219-326-6808 ext. 2118
pvicari@laporteco.in.gov
Jenilee Haynes Peterson
Executive Director International Friendship Gardens
219-878-9885
jpeterson@friendshipbotanicgardens.org